University students from Kansas, Oklahoma honored for research posters, presentations at annual K-INBRE bioscience symposium

January 31, 2014

By
April Blackmon

Eighteen undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students were honored for their scientific research presentations at the 12th annual Kansas IDeA (Institutional Development Awards) Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) symposium Jan. 18-19 at the Downtown Marriott Muehleback Towers in Kansas City, Mo.

The annual symposium is part of the K-INBRE initiative to identify and recruit promising college science students into careers in biomedical research in Kansas. Led by the University of Kansas Medical Center, 10 campuses in Kansas and northern Oklahoma are a part of this collaborative network.

"This program is vital for the continued development and recruitment of biomedical researchers in Kansas," said Doug Wright, principal investigator for K-INBRE and professor of anatomy and cell biology at KU Medical Center. "With this program we hope to keep the biosciences in Kansas growing and thriving."

Students work in laboratories alongside scientist mentors to develop research projects. These projects give students early "hands-on" experience in putting the scientific method into practice. Overall, 133 students presented their findings at the symposium.

"The symposium is a great opportunity for students to learn how to package and present their hard work and exceptional research to their peers and mentors," Wright said.

The annual K-INBRE Symposium brings together the network of students, faculty and staff from KU Medical Center, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, Washburn University, Wichita State University and Langston University in Langston, Okla.

The following students, listed by campus, received cash prizes for their presentations:

Tara N. Marriage, second year postdoctoral student in biology, "The evolution of life cycle gene expression in the Volvocine algae: toward a molecular understanding of multicellular evolution" - oral presentation.

K-INBRE is a multi-disciplinary network designed to inspire undergraduates to pursue careers in biomedical research, enhance research capacity through faculty development and retention and expand the biomedical research infrastructure connecting several academic institutions. More information about the program can be found at www.k-inbre.org.

This program was made possible by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20 GM103418.

Funding for the poster presentation awards was provided by BioKansas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on enhancing the business and research climate and working with leaders across the state to attract and retain bioscience talent, companies and funding.